For starters: Rays vs. Yankees at Mets, with Archer starting series finale

UPDATE, 11:53: The Rays got final approval to return to the Trop and host the Red Sox starting Friday. ... Cash confirmed that they will keep the pitching rotation in order vs. Boston, starting Matt Andriese, Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi.

DEVELOPING: The Rays wrap up their series as the visiting home team today when they "host" the Yankees for the third and final time at the Mets' Citi Field, first pitch 1:10.

Battling to stay in the crowded race for the final AL playoff spot, the Rays will send All-Star RHP Chris Archer to the mound, hoping he can bounce back from his rough start in Boston, which followed the abbreviated Sept. 2 outing in Chicago when he walked off the mound after eight pitches due to forearm tightness.

The Yankees are staring LHP Jaime Garcia, who is 0-2, 5.11 in five starts since being acquired from the Twins, and hasn't pitched since Aug. 30.

The Rays lineup has a slightly different look, with Peter Bourjos starting in left ahead of lefty swinger Corey Dickerson,.

After a week of uncertainy and rescheduling, the Rays are eager to get home, where they are expected to host the Red Sox as planned this weekend.

About the blog

From Chris Archer to Evan Longoria to Kevin Kiermaier to manager Kevin Cash and beyond, the Tampa Bay Times has the most comprehensive coverage of the Tampa Bay Rays. Come here for the latest news, photos, video and more.